Gov. Cox Declares Sunday Day of Prayer and Fasting – Deseret News

Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared Sunday a Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Contemplation for our nation as America “approaches a precipitous moment in our democratic republic.”

He also declared September as Founders and Constitution Month of the United States.

“For more than two centuries, the Constitution of the United States has been the framework by which we reconcile diverse interests and move forward peacefully as a nation,” Cox said in a statement Thursday. “The coming months will test the foundations of our nation, and I believe the Constitution that once united our nation can do so again.

“Now more than ever, it is important for us to reflect on the principles upon which we are founded and recognize the role each of us plays in our constitutional republic,” Cox continued.

When America faced “devastating trials and triumphant triumphs,” the country responded with prayer, according to the document declaring September 1 a day of prayer. Throughout the nation’s history, presidents and governors have proclaimed prayer and fasting to unite Americans and recognize the blessings the nation has received.

The declaration stated that America “is approaching a watershed moment in our democratic republic, and we must rededicate ourselves to the constitutional framework for which our founders fought, supported, and died, and we must learn and understand the governing principles embodied in the Constitution.”

The Constitution is key to unifying Americans and depolarizing the nation, the declaration says.

In declaring September as Founders and Constitution Month in Utah, Cox stated, “America’s constitutional form of government is unique and has uniquely changed the course of history throughout the world.”

Understanding these principles is crucial for the younger generation and all citizens, the declaration stated, for the current form of government to continue.

“The brilliance of the Constitution is its ability to decentralize power between state and federal governments, a process known as federalism,” the declaration says.

The declaration reminded Utahns of a law requiring all Utah school children to read from the United States Constitution and other documents on Constitution Day, September 17.

As the declaration states, displaying the national flag and studying the Constitution of the United States is an expression of patriotism.

The Declaration ends with the words: “We demonstrate the spirit of patriotism to our nation and state by displaying the national flag, engaging in other patriotic activities, and learning about the Constitution of the United States.”

Cox also spoke about the Constitution during an event Thursday morning at the Capitol in Salt Lake City.